Most medicines are made to stay effective until their expiry date, but only if they’re stored properly. Here’s how to look after the medicines in your home.
Keep them cool and dry
Heat and humidity break medicines down faster. The bathroom cabinet and the kitchen shelf above the stove are two of the worst places for them. A cupboard in a bedroom, away from direct sunlight, is usually better.
Check the label for the fridge
Insulin, some eye drops, certain vaccines and many reconstituted antibiotic syrups need refrigeration at 2–8°C. Keep them in the main compartment, not the door, and never in the freezer.
Keep the original strip or bottle
The original packaging protects the medicine from light and moisture. It also carries the name, strength, batch number and expiry date, which you’ll want if you ever have a question.
Out of reach of children
Store all medicines, including vitamins and iron tablets, up high and out of sight of children. Accidental swallowing of adult medicines is a common emergency in young children.
Not sure how to store something? Ask our pharmacist when you pick it up, or message us on WhatsApp.